The Weekly Focal Point - October 2

Unfortunately, this side of heaven we will all experience a lot of injustice – much of it personal. In this fallen world we can count on being falsely accused, mistreated, misquoted and maligned. Fortunately, none of it escapes the watchful and loving attention of our God. While our hearts may cry out for immediate vindication, God’s plan often includes that we learn to wait for our heavenly Father to straighten things out. Sure, there are times when it is appropriate to plead our case, provide a clarification or attempt a personal defense. But often that’s not possible or not appropriate. Instead, God calls us to a virtuous and faith-filled response. Peter enlists the ultimate example for our instruction when he writes of Christ’s response to the injustice of his opposition: “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly” (1Pt.2:23). It may be difficult, but it is Christlike. It may not provide immediate satisfaction but it is the attitude God will one day reward.

--Pastor Mike

OCTOBER OFFER

You and I have a very important assignment. As followers of Jesus we have been commissioned by our Lord and Savior to a task of eternal proportions. He has called us to make disciples. This familiar passage from Matthew 28 involves three key components: “reaching” people for Christ, “teaching” people to be like Christ, and “training” people to serve Christ.

As a practical way to help you get started with this important assignment, we have picked out an excellent book. Wherever you are in the process of becoming a disciple, making disciples, or training to go, this book will encourage you and equip you for the task. It’s called Now That I Am Christian: What it Means to Follow Jesus, by C. Michael Patton.